Page 12 - DLIS102_LIBRARY_AND_ITS_USERS

Unit 1: Changing Role of Libraries

Posses excellent communication skills, constantly update personal knowledge base by keep- Notes
ing in touch with the latest development
Create awareness among the users, make them accept the changes
Be an information management strategist, etc.
(III) Technical Knowledge required
Operating systems-Windows, UNIX, LINUX.
World processing, Graphics, Spread sheet and Presentations.
Database Management Systems including the skills in Bibliographic Database Management
Systems.
General purpose programming, Networking
Web page Development and Content Management
Information Retrieval software for online, CD-ROM and Internet.
Library software packages, acquaintances with Digital Library Tools.
The world of information is undergoing rapid change. An information age at a great turning point
in the history of civilization. The day has arrived when it is most important to learn to access,
analyze apply and evaluate such information. As traditional custodians of information, librarians
need to be aware of the implications of these changes and develop technological and managerial
skills, which will enable them to make effective use of information and to meet their organizations
changing information need.
Development of information technology is playing a crucial role in restructuring of the libraries.
Shift from human dependent operations to machine dependency, mechanization (data processing)
to knowledge processing, stand alone system to network computing, local LAN to wireless access
protocol systems. Document centered information to user (Access) centered information; print media
to electronic (Access) media, data capture methods, human to machine oriented. Library automating
(in-house) to web-enabled services (WAN Access), online information retrieval to CD-ROM databases
to internet. These prolonged shift in application of innovative IT to library and information profession
can be attributed to the changes emanated in the last 2 decades.
The role of librarian has changed in the digital library era. It is, therefore pertinent on the part of the
librarian to acquire new skills required for developing and managing the digital libraries. The library
and information professionals are required to acquire such knowledge and skills as the library is
one of the highly IT influenced service profession. The empowerment of library and information
professionals with IT skills is aimed at providing services that are expected of from the clientele in
the new environment.

Digital age has brought a tremendous change in the way information is stored
and accessed. This has brought about a change in the concept of librarian, their
collection and services. Many new terms viz. Digital Librarian, Libraries without
walls, virtual libraries, are emerging to describe the libraries of digital age.

Mention some of the competencies that required possessing in LIS professional.

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